Meet The Inspiration For Knack's My Sharona

Nov 8, 2019

The Knack's "My Sharona" was number-one 40 years ago -- but have you ever wondered who the actual Sharona was?

Sharona Alperin was the muse -- and later, the girlfriend -- of frontman Doug Fieger, even though she was eight years his junior. She says being the namesake of their biggest hit has "been pretty magical."

Sharona and Doug became friends, and the teenage girl he so desired became the face on the 45's picture sleeve. She remembers their time together "as an adventure."

"The first time I heard the song was not on the radio or when it hit vinyl. I was on the cover of the single. Doug fell in love with me, well, he says, right away. But soon after, he told me he was in love with me. He broke up his relationship, and spent one year pursuing me. Basically, he was like my groupie."

Eventually, they became a couple. And though the romance didn't last long, Sharona and Doug remained friends -- and became even closer as his health failed from cancer. Fieger died in 2010.

Ironically, Sharona found her career through Doug. While helping him house hunt in the L.A. area, she impressed local realtors. And it wasn't long until she made that her profession. Today, Sharona Alperin heads a successful Southern California realty business.